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LG E2290 Super LED Monitor

There isn’t much left to say about LG monitors that we haven’t said before. After all, a monitor is a monitor, right? Wait a moment, what’s this? It looks…different. When it comes to monitors, LG can’t exactly be accused of straying off of the beaten path. With the general exception of support pillars – and […]

There isn’t much left to say about LG monitors that we haven’t said before. After all, a monitor is a monitor, right? Wait a moment, what’s this? It looks…different. When it comes to monitors, LG can’t exactly be accused of straying off of the beaten path. With the general exception of support pillars – and occasionally controls – you may be challenged to pick one out from another in a line-up. Not that you would ever have to (monitors don’t really mug people) but you get what I am saying.

The general look for LG is predictable; black bezel, black base, red (or similar) support. Maybe a bit of clear plastic here and there. But even that variation doesn’t take a departure from the norm. But when you unbox the E2290 Super LED 21.5 inch monitor, you may well be excused for thinking that they stuck the wrong product in the box. It’s got an all brushed-metal finish, which can be best described as a rosy-metallic colour (in the right light.) The all metal and perspex look is a massive departure for the brand, and unless you see the LG logo on the front, you wouldn’t peg it as such. The fixed support is a slender silver column that allows for a fair amount of tilt. It’s all finished off with a chunky, block-like base with rounded corners.

The performance of the monitor is excellent. Being an LED monitor, it delivers crisp visuals at the expected full HD resolution. Contrast has been boosted too, which makes the images look even better. It’s an energy saver, which is a plus, and Image Booster technology makes the pictures that little bit prettier. In addition, it’s really skinny, which looks impressive and saves a bit of desk space.

The performance is excellent, and the overall design is unique and rather stylish. These are good things, because they mitigate the pain in the neck that using the monitor can result in.
To keep the bezel small, the controls have been shifted to the base (hence it being fixed in place out of the box). They sit on the top of the base, which is fine. The power switch at the base’s front right corner is clearly indicated; also fine.

But somewhere in the brushed metal expanse the other four controls lurk. Finding them can be tricky for the first few times, and they seem a little less responsive than they should be – they’re touch sensitive, which is why they’re so hard to spot.

Next up, the connectors. LG are calling it the EZ Cabling system, but that’s a little far from the truth. It’s neat, sure, but easy? Don’t bet on it. See, the cables connect to the base (another reason for it being fixed into place) but instead of being flush with the back of the base, the cable connectors are recessed around a third-way into the base. There simply is no easy access here. To connect anything to the D-Sub, DVI, HDMI or audio-out ports, you need to lift the monitor – or at least tilt it considerably. That aside, this is a good – and very different – offering from LG. It may just take a bit of getting used to.

Verdict: It has good looks, but features impractical input placement and temperamental controls.